It's a continuing miracle that after having been diagnosed with ALS - and given 3 to 5 years to live - Jason Becker has been stable since 1997. Even more inspiring is his tendency to tweet out the love to fellow musicians on a fairly regular basis:

Class act all the way. If you're interested in supporting his efforts, you can check out his latest album in progress, or donate to the cause of ALS research.

As you know, it's summer vacation time here at The Right To Rock studios, but that doesn't mean the lads aren't out and about doing things with a metal edge to them, amirite?

Case in point, Ragman just sent word of him and the Metal Munchkin™ running into a certain bass player for a certain seminal thrash band while grabbing breakfast in Milan, Italy. So, obviously, he grabbed a promo...

Here's hoping we can bring you an interview with some of these cats in the near future. Until then, if you haven't seen them on tour this year (and still have the chance), do yourself a favor and check 'em out, cuz they blow doors everywhere they go. And get that new album, Dystopia, from your favorite merchants online or otherwise, capisce? Oh, and...

HORNS UP!

- Genghisis a *little* jealous - but he is heading for San Diego next week...

The man with the plan. And the thumb. This guy's all about the thumb.We at The Right To Rock think Mr. Big is one one of those bands that gets better with age. Much like the conversation between Genghis, Ragman and Mr. Big's frontman, Eric Martin. The lads recently caught up with the man himself live and in person for a little one on one with one of rock music's most amiable, tell-it-like-it-is artists and it's sure to be interesting. So, kick back for another Evening With... as Eric talks about writing and singing on Mr. Big's latest album, Defying Gravity, as well as the challenges of raising a family and remaining relevant in modern rock.

And don't you dare be shy about hitting up your favorite online stores to get a copy of Mr. Big's Defying Gravity (Frontiers Records) if you don't already own a copy, cuz it's great stuff. So, grab a frosty beverage and put them HORNS UP!

FWIW: We were sitting in the back of a tour bus during some monster heat outside, so the A/C may be a little noisy but we cleaned up the audio as best we could. Still counts!

Beer of the Show: Frost Hammer Doppelbock (Harpoon Brewery)

Appearance:

3.0

Aroma:

4.0

Palate:

4.0

Taste:

4.0

Overall:

4.0

"This amazing dark beer is a damn fine example of the style. Ausgezeichnet!"

Look directly into Jorn's eyes and you risk being turned into one of his crow minions. No foolin'!The boys recently caught up with Jorn Lande to discuss his latest release, Life on Death Road. Jorn discussed how the album, and his new band, came together, as well as how he ended up working with the guys in Voodoo Circle for this new release and what their plans are going forward. Jorn also discusses his Pentakill project and much, much more.

And hey if you dig Jorn's music as much as we do, show those guys some love by purchasing their latest album, Life on Death Road, from your favorite online store won't you? Oh, and HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Jorn - Out of Every Nation; Pentakill - Lightbringer; Jorn - Life on Death Road, Hammered to the Cross (The Business), The Slippery Slope (Hangman's Rope), I Walked Away, and Running Up That Hill

- Ragmanis wondering where/when he and Jorn are going to meet up for a beer...

When asked if he would tell people about the show, he simply said "Disco Stu doesn't advertise".Genghis & Ragman pass the summer with a little chat about having kids - specifically, the children of famous musicians (get your minds out of the gutter, sheesh). It's not a given that these offspring inherit their parents' talents, but the lads discuss the ones that follow in their family's artistic footsteps and the ones that either try and fail, or abandon the biz altogether.

And join Ragman in an informative interview with Stu Block, lead vocalist for Iced Earth, who talks about the band's latest album, Incorruptible, as well as tour plans in the coming months. Be sure to check out the album, available now on iTunes and through Century Media. Now, get your beer hand limber - and get those HORNS UP!

DVD of the Show: DGM - Passing Stages: Live in Milan and Atlanta

Beer of the Show: Space Cake #7 IPA (Clown Shoes Beer)

Appearance:

3.5

Aroma:

3.5

Palate:

3.5

Taste:

3.5

Overall:

3.5

"Though Rags thinks that last year's was better, Clown Shoes gives us a nice fruity and spicy IPA."